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Trip

Hakuba Backcountry, Japan

Backcountry Ski & Snowboard

Trip Hakuba, Japan Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
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Experience some of the best snow in the world by touring through the Japanese Alps of Hakuba

Looking for a backcountry experience in the heart of the Japanese Alps? Look no further than this Hakuba, Japan adventure with our partners at WhiteCap Alpine Adventures. On this guided Japan backcountry skiing & snowboarding trip, you’ll explore the epic Hakuba backcountry with Whitecap’s fully certified guides who know the area like the back of their hands. Day tours will range from lift-accessed touring to full human-powered ascents, it all depends on what you want to experience. Our 8-day Hakuba backcountry packages let you choose the dates that work best for you and your skiing and riding needs. In addition to these highly curated itineraries, we will be staying at one of several private Morino Chalets, offering some of the best lodging in the area. Please note, if you are looking to experience the resorts around the Hakuba valley take a look at our original evoTrip Hakuba.
 

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Itinerary
Itinerary
Subject to change based on conditions.
  • 0
    Day number 0
    Day 0 - If possible arrive a day early and stay in Tokyo or near the airport. Most flights from North America arrive in the evenings which can make traveling to Hakuba more tiring after a long flight.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1 - Whether you arrived prior to 3 pm today or spent the night before in Tokyo, take the 3 and a half hour journey to Hakuba. Transportation is not included on this day and you will need to pay cash for your cab. WhiteCap will help arrange your transfer to Hakuba, please let them know your flight times so they can arrange your Chuo Taxi. You will meet the group either at Hakuba station or at the Morino Chalet and enjoy a welcome pizza dinner!
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2 - Get up and enjoy your first breakfast at the lodge! Before our first day out on the hill, your guides will hold a brief discussion of safety and an outline of emergency response protocol for the local area followed by a training exercise. Then we ride! After getting your first taste of the Hakuba Valley your guides will help make dinner arrangements or the group can split up and make their own dinner plans. There are many options to choose from in the local area, please indicate your dinner budget and WhiteCap will try their best to recommend restaurants accordingly.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 3 - Enjoy breakfast and get ready for another day of skinning, skiing, and riding! Most times our destination will be close to the lodge, usually a 20-minute drive in our private 4WD van. Depending on the day, the conditions, and the groups’ needs we will start touring from the parking lots or take some lifts to get us the best access. Be sure to share your desires with guides and they will try their best to get the best skiing and riding for you!
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Day 4 - Repeat! Eat breakfast while your guide prepares your boxed lunch for the day. Head out for more touring with your group and guide followed by a relaxing soak in one of the local onsens (hot springs). Hakuba Happo Onsen is only a 15-minute walk or a short ride away.
  • 5
    Day number 5
    Days 5 - 7 - Head out for more epic days with your guide. You may have noticed that we don't offer many specifics about the places, AKA pow stashes, we will be riding and trust us, you won't want to share the secrets once you’ve experienced them either!
  • 6
    Day number 6
    Day 8, Last Day - Say your goodbyes to the group, pack up and travel back to Tyoko/ Narita Airport. Again please share your travel plans with WhiteCap and they will help you arrange your transportation, cost not included.
Trip Package Includes
  • Accommodation in a Morino Private Chalet
  • Breakfast and lunch in Hakuba
  • Morino Chalet Pizza on your arrival night
  • Transportation while in Hakuba
  • Lift Passes
  • Guiding by certified U.I.A.G.M / A.C.M.G WhiteCap guides
  • Help with transport arrangements to and from Narita or arrival/destination airport
  • Consultation with WhiteCap & evo to find the best group for your experience level
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Not Included
  • Airfare to/from Narita, Japan
  • Transportation costs from Narita airport to Hakuba
  • Lodging before or after the trip (depending on flight schedules it may be recommended that you spend a night in Tokyo)
  • Dinners excluding your arrival day.
  • Alcohol
  • Guide gratuities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
  • Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information
Hakuba, Japan Backcountry

Hakuba is one of our favorite destinations in Japan for skiing and riding and if you’ve heard tales of how epic the resorts are, chances are you’ve also heard about the unparalleled backcountry. Home to 10 resorts, the Hakuba Valley boasts some of the most impressive terrain on the island of Honshu. On this trip, you will be lucky enough to have a knowledgeable backcountry guide to help you navigate this seemingly endless terrain. From Cortina we’ll drop off the backside towards Tsugaike-Kogen resort and ride some of the best tree skiing we’ve ever seen and then tour back around to the front of Cortina back to the lifts. Or you can put your skins on at the top of the Happo-One lift and skin up the ridge to find backcountry bowls as far as the eye can see. Your guides will have even more beta on the local terrain so get ready to get some vert in!

Trip Planning

Trip Planning

Being prepared with the proper gear and equipment will make sure you are ready to have the time of your life on your Hakuba ski or snowboard trip. We suggest you bring your own skis or splitboard and backcountry gear if you have it. A ski with roughly a 100mm+ waist is the best option or a snowboard made for freeriding powder. G3 rentals are also available through WhiteCap, please inquire with evo for more info and rates. It can get pretty cold and windy in Hakuba as well, so be sure to bring layers and be prepared for heavy winter conditions. Off of the mountain, bring comfortable layers for sitting seiza-style (kneeling on the floor, or cross-legged) and slippers as the lodge will not allow shoes inside.
Ski Equipment
Ski Clothing
Other
FAQ
FAQ
  • How do I book and what dates are available?
    Dates for 8-day trips are available Jan 4- Feb 6, 2020. (One departure Jan 12-21 is 10 days and prices will increase $225 for this departure) If you have dates in mind please inquire with evo for availability and for group fit. evo and Whitecap will help pair you with a group of similar skiers or riders based on your ability level and how much you wish to tour each day.
  • What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
    This trip is built for intermediate to advanced skiers/splitboarders with moderate to good fitness. We will be ski touring (mainly resort accessed touring) and skiing deep snow for seven days, meaning your legs will feel it! Basic backcountry skills are required for this trip and we will review avalanche skills on the first day.
  • Im not sure what group I will fit in, who goes on these trips?
    Whitecap and evo will help pair you for the group that best fits your needs. Group offerings include, young active groups, a women’s only group hosted by Girls Do Ski, a mature active couples group, mid 30’s mixed-gender groups and more. Don't see a group that fits your needs? Just ask and we will try and find a space for you. Whitecap also offers private buyouts for 6 people.
  • What is the women’s only Girls Do Ski trip like?
    Whitecap has partnered with Canada’s premier women’s freeski camp Girls Do Ski to offer a women’s only touring Hakuba trip, Jan 12- Jan 20. All details are the same as the trips listed above but this trip will include private coaching by professional skier Leah Evans, in which she will focus on bringing you to the next level physically and mentally. This trip will be open to advanced and expert female skiers who love to ski in the backcountry and have some experience with ski touring. More questions? Just ask evo!
  • What are the accommodations like?
    On this trip, we will be staying in one of two Morino Lodge Chalets. Both chalets, Alps View and Alps Retreat, have prime locations just above the village of Happo and are both a short walk to the base of Happo resort, one of the largest resorts in the region. The larger village of Hakuba is about a 5 min drive from the Chalets. Each offer twin/double western-style rooms with shared bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, spacious living rooms, drying rooms and views of the surrounding mountains
  • Can I room by myself?
    Please check with evo and Whitecap for availability. Due to the shared chalet accommodations, single rooms may not be available.
  • Do you offer rentals?
    Yes, gear can be rented directly through Whitecap at an additional fee. G3 skis, skins, and bindings are available and backpacks with avy gear are available as well. Please check with evo and Whitecap to check if splitboard rentals are available.
  • What if I need to cancel?
    evo will refer to Whitecap Alpine’s cancellation policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. If a notice is received more than ten weeks prior to the starting date, customers have two options: a) May rebook reservations if an alternative date if found within the same season at Whitecap and McGillivray Pass Lodge, or Whitecap International. b) Given a full refund, less a $400 administration fee. If notice is received less than 10 weeks prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded. There is no refund for leaving early or arriving late.
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    On this trip, you have a few options based on your arrival time into Japan. Please provide your flight info to Whitecap and they can help find the best transfers and options for you. Please also keep in mind transfer costs to/from Hakuba are not included in the package. Depending on travel method, the travel time between Narita/Tokyo and Hakuba is roughly 3.5-6 hours. Some people opt to spend one night in Tokyo or near the airport after they arrive and take the following day to make their way to Hakuba. Others who fly in prior to 3 pm chose to depart the same day to Hakuba. Transportation ranges from private shuttle to a combination of trains and taxis. Your guides can meet you at the Hakuba station or at the lodge depending on your arrival time and transportation method. Depending on your budget, flight times and preferences Whitecap will help you find the best route.
  • What will the food be like? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions such as Gluten-Free and Vegetarian?
    Breakfast and lunch will be organized at the Chalet each morning for ease and efficiency of getting out to the snow. Apres and dinner will be a combination of local restaurants. You can choose to sample the amazing Japanese cuisine (Sushi, Soba, and Kobe), or spend some nights in at the chalet to maximize your chill time after skiing. If you are averse to cultural food, fear not, there are lots of western options along with vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. Breakfasts, lunches, and Dinner on the first night are included in the price of the trip. The rest of your dinners and alcohol are not included. We advise on the best locations, assist in arranging your reservations, as well as provide transport to and from each venue. It is difficult to avoid gluten in Japan, but it is possible. We recommend that you bring your own soy sauce and some snacks, as you will eat a lot of rice dishes. Being a vegetarian in Japan is easy and avoiding meat but eating fish is even easier.
  • What should I budget for food costs?
    Dinners typically range between $10-35 USD please provide your budget to your guide and they will give recommendations accordingly
  • Can I place a deposit on this trip?
    Yes, you can submit a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure.
  • What is the minimum and maximum number of guests per trip?
    There is a maximum of 6 guests per trip. Due to the flexible nature of the groups please check with evo to see what dates are available.
  • I have a 2020 Epic pass, is there a discount?
    Yes, please let evo know you will be using your Epic pass and receive $250 off!
  • Do I need travel insurance?
    While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590